°µÍøÁÔÆæ

Chartered Institute
of Linguists

°µÍøÁÔÆæ RVC Accreditation

Recognition, Validation and Certification


°µÍøÁÔÆæâ€™s Recognition, Validation and Certification (RVC) accreditation is designed to offer universities who deliverÌýlanguage education, learning or assessmentsÌýfor linguists a formal means to achieve recognition,ÌýaccreditationÌýand validation of their programmes and activities through alignment with the UK’s Chartered body for linguists.Ìý

Granted its Royal Charter by HM Queen Elizabeth II, °µÍøÁÔÆæâ€™s work with language communities around the world andÌýin the UK, promotes collaboration and partnership with universities other like societies and associations, government departments, public services and businesses with whom we share an understanding of the value, importance and benefits of advanced language use and language learning.

Our Royal Charter supports us and you in this endeavour, in particular by committing °µÍøÁÔÆæ to:Ìý

  • ContributingÌýtowards international goodwill by encouraging the effective study and practice of languages;
  • ProvidingÌýmeans of recognising linguistsÌý
  • ProvidingÌýassistance to others in the use, teaching or study of languages.

RVC accreditation is not available for programmes (or programs as they are known in some countries) specifically related to the preparation of candidates for °µÍøÁÔÆæ Qualifications exams.
For organisations that are not in the Higher Education field but who have substantial and relevant language programmes, programme accreditation can be explored on a bespoke basis.Ìý

For more details,Ìýapplication forms or to discuss whether your language or vocationalÌýprogramme/program is suitable for RVCÌýplease contact Dom Hebblethwaite, dom.hebblethwaite@ciol.org.uk,Ìý°µÍøÁÔÆæ Head of Membership & Ventures.

​Find out whatÌýuniversities and otherÌýorganisations with accredited programmes have to say about RVC on ourÌý.

About RVC Accreditation

Who is RVC for?

°µÍøÁÔÆæ RVC accreditationÌýis open to universitiesÌýwith programmes in the field of languages (learning, assessment or training) that meetÌýthe criteria required for each level.Ìý

  • The scheme is suitable forÌýgeneral language learning programmes at CEFR (Common European Framework) for adults at level B1/B2 and above, foundation and pre-sessional programmes, degrees and master’s delivered with English as the medium of instruction, as well asÌýcoursesÌýfor working professionals and learning or development programmes for specialist linguists e.g. interpreters, translators.ÌýÌý
  • Applicant organisations will receive a detailed and confidential report with free-to-use, non-confidential summary statement for public use.
  • Successful applicants will benefit from recognition and accreditation from the UK’s Chartered body for language professionals of their programme’s structure, content, linguistic level, delivery and target learner outcomes.

For organisations that are not in the Higher Education field but who have substantial and relevant language programmes, programme accreditation can be explored on a bespoke basis.Ìý

Why be part of °µÍøÁÔÆæ RVC

°µÍøÁÔÆæ RVC accreditationÌýis a cost effectiveÌýand straightforward means of proving the quality of your language or vocational programme for linguists internally and externally:

  • RVC can help with national and international recruitment of students and staff to your programme
  • RVC enables you to be part of a wider network and community of universities and organisations delivering high quality language and vocational programmes
  • RVC can raise the international profile of your university or organisation and its key programmes
  • RVC can give your students more confidence and an extra edge when entering or progressing as linguists in their career or in the jobs market

What are the options?

There are three levels of recognition and accreditation. Each level requires prior achievement and compliance with earlier levels i.e. to have a programme certified, it must already be recognised and validated.

How does it work?

The checks and inspection report for the Recognise and Validate levels are based on information about the organisation, their programme(s) and their pedagogy, content or assessment approach:

The Certify level is based on assessment against the °µÍøÁÔÆæ RVC Maturity Model.

RVC Benefits for Students & Linguists

Accredited by the °µÍøÁÔÆæ (°µÍøÁÔÆæ), °µÍøÁÔÆæ RVC Accreditation assesses programmes to help students choose the best education in support of their careers as a linguist. Accredited programmes meet the standards and quality thresholds as determined by the UK lead for languages and Chartered professional body, and as confirmed by its externally appointed Quality Panel.

RVC accreditation gives language students confidence that the programmes of study they take will advance their language skills to internationally recognised standards, and that the courses are well-designed and for the outcomes that they promise. RVC also facilitates access to the UK’s Royal Charter professional body for career development and transition to the world of work.


Validated Programmes


The °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the .

°µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied, based on the evidence provided, that the University is providing a programme embedded in both academic and professional contexts that delivers an excellent preparation for linguists seeking a career in translation. Drawing on current practice, emerging trends and future language specialisms, the programme anticipates developments in the translation industry which will affect the working lives of aspiring translators. The policy, quality, content and assessment documentation seen by °µÍøÁÔÆæ is comprehensive and is evidence of excellent programme management. Students embarking on the programme can be confident that they will emerge equipped with the professional skills and knowledge they need to be work-ready to enter the translation industry.


°µÍøÁÔÆæ, the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Essex's . The programme offers future translators and interpreters an innovative course with a significant focus on the development of applied skills that will enable students, on graduation, to access jobs and careers across a range of professional fields. Quality assurance is embedded in all aspects of the programme and ensures that standards are maintained and learning outcomes are achieved. Students are active learners and respected stakeholders and student satisfaction is high. °µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied, based on the information provided, that the MA fulfils all the criteria to be recognised as a °µÍøÁÔÆæ Validated Programme.


The °µÍøÁÔÆæÌýis pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Kent'sÌý.

°µÍøÁÔÆæ recognises the university’s focus on ambition and its aim to promote the acquisition of both academic and vocational competences. The BA programme provides a highly flexible approach to the study of languages encouraging students to explore and engage with broader cultural, political and linguistic issues. Different routes through the programme provide for specialisation and student choice enabling study to be matched to personal aspirations. The programme complies with a high standard of quality assurance and °µÍøÁÔÆæ, based on the information provided, is reassured that the programme provides an excellent education in languages and cultures that will help students, on graduation, to find their place in a global professional workplace.


°µÍøÁÔÆæ, the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the . The degree offers a highly flexible programme of study with options for students to customise to their individual motivations and interests. The applied and practical nature of both study and assessment is highly valuable for employability and ensures that students are best prepared with skills and experience to meet the changing demands of an international workplace and global community. °µÍøÁÔÆæ is assured, based on the information provided, that the programme delivers an excellent language education and student experience.


°µÍøÁÔÆæ, the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the . The degree offers a highly flexible programme of study with options for students to customise to their individual motivations and interests. The applied and practical nature of both study and assessment is highly valuable for employability and ensures that students are best prepared with skills and experience to meet the changing demands of an international workplace and global community. °µÍøÁÔÆæ is assured, based on the information provided, that the programme delivers an excellent language education and student experience.


°µÍøÁÔÆæ, the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the . The degree offers a highly flexible programme of study with options for students to customise to their individual motivations and interests. The applied and practical nature of both study and assessment is highly valuable for employability and ensures that students are best prepared with skills and experience to meet the changing demands of an international workplace and global community. °µÍøÁÔÆæ is assured, based on the information provided, that the programme delivers an excellent language education and student experience.


The °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the BA programme for English Language and Literature delivered by the . °µÍøÁÔÆæ commends ASU for the rigour of its governance and academic expertise in creating programmes that provide high-quality training and development for language teachers and translators of the future. Programmes are aligned with national and international standards and offer a wide-ranging, stimulating and attractive academic programme for students. Based on the information provided, °µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied that the structure and content of programmes play an important role in learners achieving their aspirations and goals.


The °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the BA programme for English Language and Translation delivered by the . °µÍøÁÔÆæ commends ASU for the rigour of its governance and academic expertise in creating programmes that provide high-quality training and development for language teachers and translators of the future. Programmes are aligned with national and international standards and offer a wide-ranging, stimulating and attractive academic programme for students. Based on the information provided, °µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied that the structure and content of programmes play an important role in learners achieving their aspirations and goals.


the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the Masters in Audiovisual and Mass Media Translation delivered by the . °µÍøÁÔÆæ commends ASU for the rigour of its governance and academic expertise in creating programmes that provide high-quality, advanced training and development for translators working in these emerging fields of translation. Programmes are aligned with national and international standards and offer a wide-ranging, stimulating and attractive academic programme for students. Based on the information provided, °µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied that the structure and content of programmes play an important role in learners achieving their aspirations and goals.


The °µÍøÁÔÆæ (°µÍøÁÔÆæ), is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Nottingham Ningbo China’s delivered by the Centre for English Language Development.

°µÍøÁÔÆæ recognises the important role the programme has in recruiting students and enabling access to undergraduate study in a British university setting and in the provision of English language and academic skills aligned to international standards (CEFR). °µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied with the evidence provided by the University of Nottingham Ningbo China that the programme has established and comprehensive policies and processes to support students, teaching and learning in order that international expectations of quality standards are met and maintained. Students on the programme benefit from specialist teaching and valuable learning opportunities that can ultimately lead to enhanced employability, international careers and added value within a global world of work.


°µÍøÁÔÆæ, the °µÍøÁÔÆæ, is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the delivered by the Language Centre. The programme gives access to language learning in a range of European and East Asian languages to students from many disciplines across the university. Students’ achievements are aligned with the international standard, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which equips them with international recognition of their levels of attainment. The learning of linguistic and cultural skills increases students’ employability and their value in an increasingly global graduate marketplace. °µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied, based on evidence provided, that the Language Centre has rigorous quality and educational standards in place such that alignment with CEFR levels and target student attainment can confidently be achieved.


The °µÍøÁÔÆæ (°µÍøÁÔÆæ) is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on the University of Nottingham Ningbo China’s delivered by the Centre for English Language Development.

°µÍøÁÔÆæ is satisfied, based on the evidence provided, that the University is providing a high-quality programme that encourages participation in post-graduate study and supports and develops successful applicants to achieve the academic language and study skills required to be successful in British-style higher education. Rigorous quality management is in place at all levels of the programme and teaching and assessment is focussed on the achievement of international language standards (CEFR). The programme offers post-graduates a robust preparation for the rigours of study in English at this level, a supportive student experience and a clear pathway ultimately to transition into a global world of work.


°µÍøÁÔÆæ is pleased to confer Validated Programme status on ÌýEnglish Language Assessments for adults at the B1 level of CEFR and above.°µÍøÁÔÆæ recognises the ambition and intentions of Path Examinations to provide practical, applied language assessments focussed on language needs for every day contexts and real-life situations. The assessments are aligned to CEFR language levels and assured by a level a rigour applied to their provision offering reassurance and confidence to those taking the assessments. Path's Director General and Academic Director talk about the scheme in this .